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Scia 50
Designer: Carlo Sciarrelli  ·  Builder: Cantieri Ambrose  ·  First built: 1975
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About the Scia 50

Designed by renowned Italian naval architect Carlo Sciarrelli and built by Cantieri Ambrose starting in 1975, this substantial cruising sailboat represents classic European bluewater design philosophy. The generous displacement of over 28,000 pounds combined with nearly 13,000 pounds of ballast creates exceptional stability and seakeeping ability, making this vessel ideally suited for serious offshore cruising and ocean passages. The long keel configuration provides excellent directional stability and reduces leeway, though at the expense of some maneuverability in tight quarters. With a comfort ratio of 31.32, this boat prioritizes motion comfort over speed, delivering the steady, predictable handling that experienced cruisers value on extended voyages. The masthead sloop rig offers straightforward sail handling, while the moderate sail area to displacement ratio suggests reliable performance without being overpowered. Built during an era when Italian yards were establishing their reputation for quality fiberglass construction, the Scia 50 reflects traditional European cruising priorities: robust build quality, seaworthiness, and the ability to carry substantial stores for extended cruising. The capsize screening formula of 1.76 indicates good stability characteristics for offshore work, making this an appealing choice for sailors planning serious passage-making adventures.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 50.69 ft / 15.45 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 41.34 ft / 12.60 m
Beam 13.35 ft / 4.07 m
Max Draft 6.90 ft / 2.10 m
Displacement 28,219.00 lb / 12,800 kg
Ballast 12,787.00 lb / 5,800 kg
Ballast Type Lead
Sail Area (Reported) 598.00 ft² / 55.56 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Long Keel
Rigging Type Masthead Sloop
Construction FG
Designer Carlo Sciarrelli
Builder Cantieri Ambrose
First Built 1975
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Performance Ratios
PHRF Rating PHRF (Performance Handicap Racing Fleet) is a national racing handicap measured in seconds per nautical mile. Lower values indicate faster boats. Ratings are sourced from US Sailing's national database (median across 60+ regional fleets).
Under 0 — Ultralight racer0–90 — Performance racer90–150 — Cruiser/racer150–210 — Typical cruiserOver 210 — Heavy/slow cruiser
 90
SA/Displacement Sail Area to Displacement ratio measures how much sail power a boat has relative to its weight. Higher values mean more performance and speed.
Under 14 — Heavy cruiser, slow14–18 — Cruising sailboat18–22 — Cruiser/racerOver 22 — Performance racer
 10.36
Ballast/Displacement Ballast to Displacement ratio shows what percentage of the boat's total weight is ballast. Higher values generally mean better initial stability and stiffer sail carrying.
30–35% — Typical cruiser35–45% — Stiff performance boatOver 45% — Racing oriented
 45.31
Displacement/Length Displacement to Length ratio measures how heavy a boat is relative to its waterline length. Lower values mean a lighter, faster boat.
Under 100 — Ultralight racer100–200 — Light cruiser/racer200–300 — Moderate cruiser300–400 — Heavy cruiserOver 400 — Very heavy
 178.31
Comfort Ratio Ted Brewer's Comfort Ratio predicts how comfortable a boat will feel in offshore conditions. Higher values mean a steadier, more comfortable motion in a seaway.
Under 20 — Uncomfortably rough20–30 — Acceptable coastal30–40 — Good offshore comfortOver 40 — Very comfortable offshore
 31.32
Capsize Screening Formula The USHS Capsize Screening Formula estimates offshore capsize risk. Lower is safer — values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing.
Under 2.0 — Safe for offshore2.0–2.2 — Borderline offshoreOver 2.2 — Coastal use recommended
 1.76
Hull Speed Hull Speed is the theoretical maximum speed of a displacement hull, calculated from waterline length. Most cruising sailboats reach this speed in moderate conditions. 8.62 kn
S# (Speed Number) The Speed Number (S#) is a quick performance index. Higher values indicate a faster, more powerful design relative to its size.
Under 3.0 — Slow cruiser3.0–5.0 — Average cruiser5.0–7.0 — Performance cruiserOver 7.0 — Racer
 1.93
Pounds/Inch Immersion Pounds per Inch Immersion (PPI) tells you how much weight is needed to sink the boat one inch. Useful for calculating how additional gear and stores affect waterline. 1,971.96 pounds/inch
SA/Displacement (Calc) Calculated Sail Area to Displacement ratio using actual measured sail dimensions rather than reported values. More precise than the reported SA/Disp figure. 10.36
Rig Dimensions
I (Foretriangle Height) 42.90 ft / 13.08 m
J (Foretriangle Base) 16.90 ft / 5.15 m
P (Mainsail Luff) 40.90 ft / 12.47 m
E (Mainsail Foot) 11.50 ft / 3.51 m
SA Fore 362.51 ft² / 33.68 m²
SA Main 235.18 ft² / 21.85 m²
SA Total (100%) 597.69 ft² / 55.53 m²
Est. Forestay Length 46.11 ft / 14.05 m
Engine & Accommodations
Engine Make British Leyland
Engine Type Diesel
Horsepower 63
Fuel Capacity 102 gals / 385 L
Water Capacity 264 gals / 1,000 L
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